59 million Americans voted before Tuesday's polls closed

Polls began closing across the United States on Tuesday as more than 59 million citizens cast ballots in the midterm elections, a figure that exceeded the early voting totals from 2022.

The Associated Press analysis confirms that this surge in early participation reflects widespread dissatisfaction with high consumer prices and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Voters expressed concern over government corruption and the administration's ability to deliver on economic promises. President Donald Trump described the inflation issue as resolved during a Fox News interview, despite Department of Commerce data released the previous week showing consumer prices rose 3.6 percent in September compared to the same period last year.

The stakes in Washington are high, with control of both chambers of Congress potentially shifting hands. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the 100-member Senate to secure a majority, while they require only three additional seats in the 435-member House of Representatives to take control. Initial results show Democrat Mark Warner winning re-election in Virginia with ease, while Debbie Wasserman Schultz secured a new district in Florida following redistricting changes enacted by Republicans.

Republican strategists acknowledged the challenge of retaining control, noting that their party spent 88.1 percent of its general election television advertising budget in states and districts where Trump won by ten points or more in 2024. That spending included over $850 million in ad reservations in heavily Republican areas. Joe Gruters, the Republican National Committee chair, stated that the outcome depends entirely on voter turnout, arguing that if their base shows up, they will win.

Suzan DelBene, president of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told reporters that the American people are angry and demanding change. She said the momentum favors her party as voters head to the polls. In Westchester County, New York, officials placed paper ballots in emergency bags due to machine issues, assuring the public that the votes would be counted securely. In Raleigh, North Carolina, librarian James Moore said he voted for Democrats in protest of Trump's tax cuts, citing higher costs for healthcare and goods.

Several key Senate races remain tight, including contests in Georgia, Ohio, and Alaska. In Alaska, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit to block the certification of Senate results if incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan loses, citing a second candidate with the same name on the ballot. In the House, Republicans are fighting to hold a narrow majority, while Democrats target seats in states like Texas, Florida, and Iowa. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House, outlined a 100-day agenda focused on lowering living costs and supervising the Trump administration if his party gains power.

Beyond federal offices, 36 states are electing governors, with Democrats hoping to claim a majority of those positions for the first time in two decades. Competitions in Texas, Florida, and Iowa are particularly close. The results will shape the final two years of Trump's second term, potentially opening the door to investigations and impeachment proceedings if Democrats capture either chamber of Congress.